Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the rims of the eyelids, which causes them to become red and swollen. It is a common condition which can develop at any age but is more common in young children and people over 50. Most people experience repeated episodes followed by periods with no symptoms. It is not possible to catch blepharitis from someone else who has it. Although uncomfortable, blepharitis is usually not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.

Blepharitis is classified into two types:

• Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes attach.
• Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball.

See also :

• Chalazion
• Stye

Symptoms

People with blepharitis may experience a gritty or burning sensation in their eyes, excessive tearing, itching, red and swollen eyelids, dry eyes or crusting of the eyelids. For some people, blepharitis causes only minor irritation and itching. However, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as blurring of vision, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and inflammation of other eye tissue, particularly the cornea. By touching and rubbing the irritated area, a secondary infection can also result. By touching and rubbing the irritated area, a secondary infection can also result. An optometrist can determine the type of blepharitis based on the appearance of the eyelid margins. The different types and symptoms are as follows:

• Staphyloccal blepharitis patients frequently exhibit mildly sticking eyelids, thickened lid margins, and missing and misdirected eyelashes.
• Seborrheic blepharitis patients have greasy flakes or scales around the base of eyelashes and a mild redness of the eyelids.
• Ulcerative blepharitis patients have matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes. Removing the crusts leaves small sores that ooze and bleed. These patients may also experience eyelash loss, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids and chronic tearing. In severe cases, the cornea (the transparent front covering of the eyeball) becomes inflamed.
• Meibomian blepharitis patients have a blockage of the oil glands in the eyelids, poor quality of tears and redness of the lining of the eyelids.

Causes

• Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). These bacteria are commonly found on the face and lids, but if they become excessive, or the lid area reacts poorly to their presence, an infection may occur. Less commonly, allergies or a mite infestation of the eyelashes can cause anterior blepharitis.
• Posterior blepharitis can occur when the glands of the eyelids irregularly produce oil (meibomian blepharitis). This creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis can also develop as a result of other skin conditions, such as rosacea and scalp dandruff.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the type of blepharitis.

• The key to treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids clean and free of crusts.
• Limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup when treating blepharitis is often recommended, as its use will make lid hygiene more difficult.
• Applying warm compresses can loosen the crusts. Then gently scrub the eyelids with a mixture of water and baby shampoo or an over-the-counter lid-cleansing product.
• In cases involving bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
• If the glands in the eyelids are blocked, massage the eyelids to clean out oil accumulated in the eyelid glands.
• Use artificial tear solutions or lubricating ointments, if prescribed.
• Use anti-dandruff shampoo on the scalp.
• Limit or stop using eye makeup during treatment, as it makes lid hygiene more difficult.
• Temporarily discontinue wearing contact lenses during treatment.
• Eyebright has been used for centuries in the treatment of a number of ailments. The nutritional and herbal ingredients make it beneficial for many eye problems including ophthalmia (severe inflammation of the eye), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), conjunctivitis (pink eye), cataracts, stye, weeping eye, and bloodshot or strained eyes.
• Jia Wei Er Miao Wan
• Some blepharitis cases may require more complex treatment plans. Blepharitis seldom disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, blepharitis may reoccur.